William McKinley — 25th U.S. President

President Details

President Number: 25
Years in Office: 1897 - 1901
Term Dates: March 4, 1897 – September 14, 1901
Political Party: Republican
Vice President(s): Garret Hobart; Theodore Roosevelt

Legacy Summary

McKinley’s presidency marked the United States’ emergence as an international power after victory in the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of overseas territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and the annexation of Hawaii. Domestically, he promoted economic stability through the Dingley Tariff and the Gold Standard Act, aligning the federal government with business and industrial interests.

His administration accelerated American overseas expansion, a legacy that generated lasting debate over imperialism and national identity. McKinley’s assassination in 1901 brought Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency and helped usher in a more activist, progressive phase of American governance.

Notable Actions

Led the U.S. in the Spanish-American War (1898) and negotiated the Treaty of Paris;Annexed Hawaii and oversaw acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines;Enacted the Dingley Tariff to raise protective tariffs (1897);Signed the Gold Standard Act (1900) to stabilize currency;Articulated the Open Door Policy promoting equal trade access in China;Assassinated in 1901, succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 99 entries.

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Secretary of State John Hay circulates first 'Open Door' note on China

September 6, 1899 • William McKinley

Foreign Policy

Secretary of State John Hay circulates first 'Open Door' note on China

On September 6, 1899, Secretary of State John Hay sent the first 'Open Door' diplomatic note to the major powers, urging equal commercial access to China and respect for Chinese territorial and administrative integrity.

Tripartite Convention (United States, Germany, Great Britain) partitions the Samoan Islands

August 12, 1899 • William McKinley

Foreign Policy

Tripartite Convention (United States, Germany, Great Britain) partitions the Samoan Islands

On August 12, 1899, representatives of the United States, Germany, and Great Britain concluded the Tripartite Convention, formally dividing the Samoan archipelago and assigning the eastern islands (including Tutuila and the harbor of Pago Pago) to the United States.

First Hague Peace Conference Concludes; United States Signs Conventions

July 29, 1899 • William McKinley

Foreign Policy

First Hague Peace Conference Concludes; United States Signs Conventions

The First Hague Peace Conference ended on July 29, 1899, adopting multiple conventions on the laws of war and procedures for arbitration, with U.S. delegates participating and signing the agreements.

Battle of Zapote River (Philippine–American War)

June 13, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Battle of Zapote River (Philippine–American War)

U.S. Army forces fought Filipino insurgent forces at the Zapote River near Bacoor, Cavite, resulting in an American tactical victory with casualties on both sides.

April 25, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Battle of Calumpit, Philippines

U.S. forces under Maj. Gen. Arthur MacArthur engaged and defeated Filipino forces at Calumpit (Pampanga), beginning a multi-day action that forced a Filipino withdrawal across the Pampanga River.

Battle of Quingua (Plaridel), Philippines

April 23, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Battle of Quingua (Plaridel), Philippines

On April 23, 1899, U.S. forces under General Lawton engaged Filipino insurgents at Quingua (now Plaridel) in Bulacan, routing the Filipino forces while U.S. Colonel John M. Stotsenburg was killed in action.

Capture of Malolos, Philippine Revolutionary Capital

March 31, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Capture of Malolos, Philippine Revolutionary Capital

U.S. forces occupied Malolos, the capital of the First Philippine Republic, forcing the Filipino government to withdraw further into northern provinces.

March 27, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Battle of Marilao River

U.S. Army forces engaged and routed Filipino insurgent troops at the Marilao River during the American advance north of Manila.

March 4, 1899 • William McKinley

Legislation

56th United States Congress convenes

The 56th U.S. Congress formally convened on March 4, 1899, beginning its term and opening the legislative session for President McKinley’s second term.

March 3, 1899 • William McKinley

Legislation

Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 enacted

Congress enacted (and the President approved) the Rivers and Harbors Act, establishing federal authority over obstructions and work in navigable waters.

Battle of Caloocan — U.S. forces seize Caloocan outside Manila

February 10, 1899 • William McKinley

Military Action

Battle of Caloocan — U.S. forces seize Caloocan outside Manila

On February 10, 1899, U.S. Army troops under Brig. Gen. Arthur MacArthur launched an assault and captured the town of Caloocan from Filipino forces near Manila.

U.S. Senate ratifies the Treaty of Paris (1898) ceding former Spanish colonies to the United States

February 6, 1899 • William McKinley

Foreign Policy

U.S. Senate ratifies the Treaty of Paris (1898) ceding former Spanish colonies to the United States

On February 6, 1899, the United States Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris (signed December 1898), approving Spain's cession of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million.

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